SPIEGEL ONLINE - International - East Germanyhttp://www.spiegel.de
Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site.enTue, 03 Mar 2015 19:54:45 +0100Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:54:45 +0100SPIEGEL ONLINEhttp://www.spiegel.de
http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gifThe Merkel Effect: What Today's Germany Owes to Its Once-Communist Easthttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-east-germany-influences-modern-day-german-politics-a-994410.html#ref=rss
East Germany ceased to exist following the 1989 revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. But did the former communist country help shape today's Germany? The answer is yes, and Chancellor Merkel is a big reason why.Thu, 02 Oct 2014 11:15:02 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-east-germany-influences-modern-day-german-politics-a-994410.htmlEast Germany ceased to exist following the 1989 revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. But did the former communist country help shape today's Germany? The answer is yes, and Chancellor Merkel is a big reason why.]]>East Germany's Blood Art: No Justice for Victims of Regime's Treasure Hunthttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-east-germany-robbed-collectors-of-their-art-a-982739.html#ref=rss
East German officials systematically stole from the country's art collectors and sold their possessions to raise hard currency. Families have sought for years to reclaim the treasures or to obtain compensation. In a rare success, one family in America recently retrieved some of its heirlooms.Thu, 24 Jul 2014 17:39:17 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-east-germany-robbed-collectors-of-their-art-a-982739.htmlEast German officials systematically stole from the country's art collectors and sold their possessions to raise hard currency. Families have sought for years to reclaim the treasures or to obtain compensation. In a rare success, one family in America recently retrieved some of its heirlooms.]]>Going Bats: German Reunification Memorials Hit the Wallhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/construction-stalls-on-memorials-to-1989-east-german-revolution-a-956904.html#ref=rss
Two monuments to East Germany's peaceful revolution of 1989 were supposed to be unveiled in time for the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall this autumn. But due to a raft of obstacles, from roosting bats to technical challenges, neither project will be ready on time.Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:47:09 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/construction-stalls-on-memorials-to-1989-east-german-revolution-a-956904.htmlTwo monuments to East Germany's peaceful revolution of 1989 were supposed to be unveiled in time for the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall this autumn. But due to a raft of obstacles, from roosting bats to technical challenges, neither project will be ready on time.]]>Why Many Former East Germans Don't Votehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/east-german-voter-apathy-could-mean-record-low-turnout-a-923244.html#ref=rss
Nearly a quarter of a century after German reunification, Chancellor Angela Merkel still favors dishes that were common in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). "Solyanka," a sour soup with meat and pickled vegetables originating in Russia, still appears regularly on her dinner table, and likely those of many former East Germans.
Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:57:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/east-german-voter-apathy-could-mean-record-low-turnout-a-923244.htmlNearly a quarter of a century after German reunification, Chancellor Angela Merkel still favors dishes that were common in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). "Solyanka," a sour soup with meat and pickled vegetables originating in Russia, still appears regularly on her dinner table, and likely those of many former East Germans.
]]>Roller Coaster Ride: The Story of Berlin's Rotting Amusement Parkhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spreepark-the-story-behind-defunct-berlin-amusement-park-a-922117.html#ref=rss
With its rusting rides and a Ferris wheel turning idly in the wind, a defunct East German amusement park in Berlin fascinates locals and tourists alike. Repeated attempts to reopen "Spreepark" have been thwarted by administrative chaos and incompetence.Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:25:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spreepark-the-story-behind-defunct-berlin-amusement-park-a-922117.htmlThe Beat Goes On: Legendary Berlin Dance Hall Turns 100http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/claerchens-ballhaus-historic-dance-hall-turns-100-in-berlin-a-921636.html#ref=rss
Clärchens Ballhaus has seen illegal dueling, Nazi dancing bans, wartime destruction and communist black-marketeering. Fans celebrating its 100th anniversary this week say it retains a timeless charm that makes it an enduring icon of Berlin nightlife.Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:32:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/claerchens-ballhaus-historic-dance-hall-turns-100-in-berlin-a-921636.htmlClärchens Ballhaus has seen illegal dueling, Nazi dancing bans, wartime destruction and communist black-marketeering. Fans celebrating its 100th anniversary this week say it retains a timeless charm that makes it an enduring icon of Berlin nightlife.]]>Spy Games: Photos Reveal the Stasi Art of Disguisehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/stasi-photos-simon-menner-book-documents-east-german-disguises-a-920140.html#ref=rss
East Germany's feared secret police had a bit of a sartorial flair, photos found by artist Simon Menner in the Stasi archive reveal. The images, which offer a glimpse into the clandestine world of phony facial hair and the all-important hat, are set to be published in a book this fall.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 15:58:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/stasi-photos-simon-menner-book-documents-east-german-disguises-a-920140.htmlSearching for Scandal in Steinbrück's Stasi Filehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-chancellor-candidate-steinbrueck-releases-stasi-files-a-918219.html#ref=rss
In the United States, it can take some effort to derail someone's presidential campaign. In 2004, Republican supporters of George W. Bush even went so far as to create an entirely new group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. In Germany, it's easier. You just have to mention a candidate's possible connection to the Stasi -- and watch the media feeding frenzy unfold.
Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:04:11 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-chancellor-candidate-steinbrueck-releases-stasi-files-a-918219.htmlIn the United States, it can take some effort to derail someone's presidential campaign. In 2004, Republican supporters of George W. Bush even went so far as to create an entirely new group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. In Germany, it's easier. You just have to mention a candidate's possible connection to the Stasi -- and watch the media feeding frenzy unfold.
]]>The Straight Dope: West German Scandal Spurs Push For New Lawhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-doping-law-supporters-react-to-west-german-doping-claims-a-916517.html#ref=rss
Although reports two years ago of widespread doping in West German sports prompted outrage, politicians have done nothing. Some are hoping a rekindled public debate may lead to the passage of an effective anti-doping law. If Italy and Spain have done it, they argue, so can Germany. Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:10:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-doping-law-supporters-react-to-west-german-doping-claims-a-916517.htmlAlthough reports two years ago of widespread doping in West German sports prompted outrage, politicians have done nothing. Some are hoping a rekindled public debate may lead to the passage of an effective anti-doping law. If Italy and Spain have done it, they argue, so can Germany. ]]>Digitizing the GDR: East German Papers Offer Glimpse of Historyhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/east-german-newspapers-digitized-and-posted-online-a-908216.html#ref=rss
From advertisements to propaganda to personal interest stories, the newspapers of Communist East Germany are a historical wellspring. Thanks to a four-year digital achiving project, three major papers are now available for free online. Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:23:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/east-german-newspapers-digitized-and-posted-online-a-908216.htmlChimes of Freedom: How Springsteen Helped Tear Down the Wallhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/book-says-springsteen-concert-helped-bring-down-berlin-wall-a-906236.html#ref=rss
In July 1988, Bruce Springsteen gave East Germany the biggest rock concert it ever saw. In a new book, journalist Erik Kirschbaum says the Boss inspired an entire generation to strive for more freedom -- and deserves some credit for the fall of the Berlin Wall. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:38:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/book-says-springsteen-concert-helped-bring-down-berlin-wall-a-906236.htmlThe Next Disaster?: Berlin Lays Cornerstone of Troubled Palacehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-lays-cornerstone-on-controversial-palace-project-a-905366.html#ref=rss
The cornerstone was laid on Wednesday on the reconstruction of the Berlin palace that was once home to Prussian rulers. The need for such a structure is debatable, and funding looks shaky. It could become yet another addition to Germany's collection of cursed construction projects.Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:43:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-lays-cornerstone-on-controversial-palace-project-a-905366.htmlThe cornerstone was laid on Wednesday on the reconstruction of the Berlin palace that was once home to Prussian rulers. The need for such a structure is debatable, and funding looks shaky. It could become yet another addition to Germany's collection of cursed construction projects.]]>Forbidden Photos: Secret Shots of Hitler's Bunkerhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/secret-photographs-of-hitler-bunker-in-berlin-by-robert-conrad-a-903750.html#ref=rss
Starting in 1987, Robert Conrad risked his freedom to secretly photograph Adolf Hitler's decaying bunker in what was then East Berlin. Disguised as a construction worker, he snuck inside some 30 times, and has now finally revealed his work.Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:50:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/secret-photographs-of-hitler-bunker-in-berlin-by-robert-conrad-a-903750.htmlDeadly Drug Trials: Western Firms Bribed East German Doctors http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/patient-drug-trials-western-firms-bribed-east-german-doctors-a-901206.html#ref=rss
It wasn't just the East German government that benefited from risky patient drug trials commissioned by Western pharmaceutical manufacturers decades ago. These companies also sent liaisons with lavish gifts to bribe and influence doctors to participate.Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/patient-drug-trials-western-firms-bribed-east-german-doctors-a-901206.htmlIt wasn't just the East German government that benefited from risky patient drug trials commissioned by Western pharmaceutical manufacturers decades ago. These companies also sent liaisons with lavish gifts to bribe and influence doctors to participate.]]>Political Conspiracy Theories: Angela Merkel Is No KGB 'Sleeper Agent'http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-conspiracy-theorists-seek-to-label-merkel-as-russian-sleeper-agent-a-900235.html#ref=rss
Ever wondered what Angela Merkel had in mind with her decision to phase out nuclear energy? Dependency on Russian energy, if you believe some prominent conspiracy theorists. They'd like you to believe the German chancellor is some kind of KGB "sleeper agent" installed by Moscow at the end of the Cold War. Thu, 16 May 2013 17:53:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-conspiracy-theorists-seek-to-label-merkel-as-russian-sleeper-agent-a-900235.htmlEver wondered what Angela Merkel had in mind with her decision to phase out nuclear energy? Dependency on Russian energy, if you believe some prominent conspiracy theorists. They'd like you to believe the German chancellor is some kind of KGB "sleeper agent" installed by Moscow at the end of the Cold War. ]]>Deadly Side Effects: New Details Emerge in East German Drug Test Scandalhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/western-drugmakers-tested-medicines-on-unwitting-east-germans-a-899594.html#ref=rss
Until the fall of the Wall, Western pharmaceutical companies conducted drug trials in East German hospitals. More than 50,000 patients served as subjects, often without their knowledge, and many died. The human experiments haven't been fully investigated to this day despite fresh evidence of wrongdoing. Tue, 14 May 2013 17:37:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/western-drugmakers-tested-medicines-on-unwitting-east-germans-a-899594.htmlNew Biography Causes Stir: How Close Was Merkel to the Communist System?http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-book-suggests-angela-merkel-was-closer-to-communism-than-thought-a-899768.html#ref=rss
A biography focusing on Chancellor Angela Merkel's time growing up in East Germany is making headlines because it suggests she was closer to the communist system than hitherto known. Her spokesman has denied she has covered anything up. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:04:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-book-suggests-angela-merkel-was-closer-to-communism-than-thought-a-899768.htmlA biography focusing on Chancellor Angela Merkel's time growing up in East Germany is making headlines because it suggests she was closer to the communist system than hitherto known. Her spokesman has denied she has covered anything up. ]]>Rust in Peace: East Germany's Forgotten Factorieshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/industrial-ruins-forgotten-factories-of-former-east-germany-a-894061.html#ref=rss
After Germany's reunification, factories across former East Germany shut down, fracturing communities and falling into disrepair. A new photo book details the abandoned workshops of a planned economy cut loose. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:13:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/industrial-ruins-forgotten-factories-of-former-east-germany-a-894061.htmlThe Iron Closet: Documentary Explores Gay Life in East Germanyhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/documentary-explores-gay-and-lesbian-oppression-in-east-germany-a-883707.html#ref=rss
East Germany decriminalized homosexuality early on, a move that was touted as an example of its progressivism. But a documentary that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this week shows the regime was still deeply homophobic. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:26:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/documentary-explores-gay-and-lesbian-oppression-in-east-germany-a-883707.htmlBefore the Wall: The Soviet Fight for Postwar Berlinhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/soviets-used-carrot-and-stick-approach-to-undermine-west-in-postwar-berlin-a-867006.html#ref=rss
Although Berlin was split into four sectors in 1945, the Soviets were determined to see a unified city under their control. Their tactics for undermining the other occupying powers ranged from seductive to brutal, and a desperate blockade backfired into a 40-year divide.Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:10:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/soviets-used-carrot-and-stick-approach-to-undermine-west-in-postwar-berlin-a-867006.htmlAlthough Berlin was split into four sectors in 1945, the Soviets were determined to see a unified city under their control. Their tactics for undermining the other occupying powers ranged from seductive to brutal, and a desperate blockade backfired into a 40-year divide.]]>